August 06, 2014 - Brandon Twp.-Next month, classrooms here might have more students than anticipated.

"We are projecting enrollment is better than expected," said new Superintendent Matt Outlaw. "We are cautiously optimistic."

In budgeting for the 2014-2015 school year, officials were using estimates that the district would lose approximately 200 students, based on losses the last few years. However, Outlaw said due to recruiting and retention efforts during the past five weeks, numbers are steadily increasing and some families that had withdrawn from the district are returning. He attributes some of the increase also to a concerted effort to get feedback from families currently in the district, as well as from those that left.

That effort includes an online survey that was due to be completed Friday, and which Outlaw said had a very good response. He expects to release results from that survey at the next school board meeting, set for 6:30 p.m., Aug. 18, at central district office, 1025 S. Ortonville Road.

"We are going to address a lot of the community concerns," said Outlaw. "We've had a lot of calls, a lot of interest, and people are enrolling. We've had some really powerful and really good conversations."

He added that some families are moving here after learning about the future of the district and have received building tours. Some have returned from other districts. The one variable that districts can not predict, however, is how many students have moved and will not return.

District retention efforts include formal marketing; the feedback surveys; and phone calls and meetings with families that left.

"For us, no matter our enrollment, we are going to soar as a district as we head into the future," Outlaw said. "It is our hope and intention to retain our residents within our school by providing the highest quality product possible, by offering outstanding customer service and by planning responsibly for the future. We are excited about this new school year and we are looking forward to being a source of pride for this community for years to come."